quinta-feira, outubro 23, 2014

BRAINDANCE RELEASES LONG-AWAIT​ED NEW ALBUM

NIGHTINGALE - First song and cover artwork for "Retribution" launched; European pre-order started!

 
Sweden's NIGHTINGALE are soon to release their long overdue 7th studio album. Entitled "Retribution", the follow-up to 2007's acclaimed "White Darkness", will be released via the band's new worldwide label InsideOutMusic on November 10th, 2014 in Europe and January 27th, 2015 in North America.
 
The album's first promotional track has therefor now been launched online via the website of UK's Classic Rock magazine. Check out "Forevermore" here:
 

 
NIGHTINGALE's Dan Swanö (vocals, guitars, keyboards) checked in to comment about the song as follows: 
 
"Forevermore is a track that showcases both the metal and the more bombastic A.O.R. influences of NIGHTINGALE. It's a good summary of what to expect from the album...and then some! The lyrics tell the story of Jim Jones and The People's Temple seen from the perspective of a devoted follower of the cult."
 
Here is the album's complete tracklisting for the upcoming album:
 
NIGHTINGALE - "Retribution"
1. On Stolen Wings
2. Lucifer's Lament
3. Chasing The Storm Away
4. Warriors Of The Dawn
5. Forevermore
6. Divided I Fall
7. The Voyage Of Endurance
8. 27 (Curse Or Coincidence?)
9. The Maze
10. Echoes Of A Dream
 
The European version of the album can be pre-ordered from now on via the InsideOut Shop here: http://smarturl.it/retributionIOMshop
 
NIGHTINGALE was established by musical multi-talent and producer Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity / Witherscape) almost 20 years ago and in the good tradition of the band, which is completed by Dan's brother Dag Swanö (guitars, keyboards), Erik Oskarsson (bass) and Tom Björn (drums), the new album once again showcases a fabulous and timeless hybrid of different musical styles: From atmospheric metal to catchy AOR and also melodic prog, "Retribution" offers an amazingly broad variety of moods and always tuneful songwriting skills.
 
NIGHTINGALE's "Retribution" features the above featured artwork courtesy of Travis Smith (Opeth, Nevermore, Katatonia, etc.) and should equally appeal to open-minded fans of bands like Rush, Marillion, Styx, Kansas, The Mission, Queensryche, Enchant, Threshold, Arena or even Opeth and Katatonia.
 
Here are some more remarks about NIGHTINGALE and "Retribution" by other musicians:
 
"Dan Swanö has delivered a little masterpiece here! The sound and production are phenomenal,
making this the band's best release to date in my opinion!"
- Peavy (Rage)
 
"The almighty master of melody and the godfather of crossbreeding metal and AOR
to musical gems is finally back..."
- Markus V. (Insomnium)
 
Watch out for more details about "Retribution" soon...
 
NIGHTINGALE Line-Up:
Dan Swanö - vocals, guitars, keyboards
Dag Swanö - bass, guitars, keyboards
Erik Oskarsson - bass
Tom Björn - drums
 
NIGHTINGALE Discography:
The Breathing Shadow - 1995
The Closing Chronicles - 1996
I - 2000
Alive Again: The Breathing Shadow Part IV - 2003
Invisible - 2004
Nightfall Overture (Compilation) - 2005
White Darkness - 2007
Retribution - 2014
 
NIGHTINGALE online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

BUTCHER BABIES premieres video for "They're Coming To Take Me Away" via Bloody Disgusting.com

Taking a page from heroes METALLICA and GUNS N' ROSES, Los Angeles breakthrough metal act, BUTCHER BABIES, recently released an EP of cover tunes, titled Uncovered, and are currently touring North America in support of it. Today, the band has debuted a new video for their version of "They're Coming To Take Me Away", originally recorded by NAPOLEON XIV. Produced by Veva Entertainment, the video can be seen at Bloody Disgusting.com:
 
 
BUTCHER BABIES' Heidi Shepherd (vocals) comments: "As kids, we always loved this creepy, quirky song around Halloween time. So, we thought it would be perfect to ring in the Halloween season with this video reminiscent of old slasher films. Enjoy!"
 
Uncovered track-listing
1. Beer Drinkers And Hell Raisers
2. They're Coming To Take Me Away
3. Don't Give A Fuck
4. Crazy Horses
5. Pussy Whipped
 
To purchase Uncovered, head over to iTunes for a digital copy or Best Buy for the CD.
 
BUTCHER BABIES released their Century Media debut full length, Goliath, last summer and took part in that year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, where they were a mainstay on the Jagermeister stage and a breakout band of the fest. Following that, they toured the US with the legendary GLENN DANZIG, BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and DOWN, plus played on many of America's premier metal festivals - Columbus OH's "Rock on the Range" and Oklahoma's "Rocklahoma", to name a few. It was during this time that BUTCHER BABIES made plans to record some of their favorite tunes. Each band member chose a track, and in the early summer of this year, they entered the studio with producer Logan Mader (DEVILDRIVER, GOJIRA, 5 FINGER DEATH PUNCH) to dissect and "butcher" these five classics, creating something all their own.
 
In support of Uncovered, BUTCHER BABIES are currently wrapping up their first North American headlining tour; in December/January, the band will be back on the road again to support BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and HATEBREED on another US trek. See below for all upcoming dates.
 
BUTCHER BABIES live with ANTI-MORTEM
10/22/2014--Mesa Theatre & Club--Grand Junction, CO
10/23/2014--Backstage Bar & Billiards--Las Vegas, NV
10/24/2014--San Manuel Amphitheater--San Bernardino, CA @ Knotfest
10/25/2014--San Manuel Amphitheater--San Bernardino, CA @ Knotfest
 
BUTCHER BABIES live with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY, HATEBREED
12/27/2014--Studio Seven--Seattle, WA
12/28/2014--Knitting Factory Concert--House Spokane , WA
12/29/2014--Commodore Ballroom--Vancouver, BC
12/30/2014--Kelowna Community Theatre--Kelowna, BC
12/31/2014--Flames Central--Calgary, AB
1/2/2015--Shaw Conference Centre--Edmonton, AB
1/3/2015--Convention Hall - Arts Centre--Regina, SK
1/4/2015--Burton Cummins Theatre--Winnipeg, MB
1/5/2015--The Community Auditorium--Thunder Bay, ON
1/7/2015--London Music Hall--London, ON
1/8/2015--Kool Haus--Toronto, ON
1/9/2015--Metroplis--Montreal, QC
1/10/2015--F Shed At The Market--Syracuse, NY
1/12/2015--Reverb--Reading, PA
1/13/2015--State Theatre--Portland, ME
1/14/2015--Webster Theater--Hartford, CT
1/16/2015--Royal Oak Music Theater--Royal Oak, MI
1/17/2015--The LC Pavillion--Columbus, OH
1/18/2015--The Fillmore Charlotte--Charlotte, NC
1/20/2015--Diamond Ballroom--Oklahoma City, OK
1/22/2015--Sokol Auditorium--Omaha, NE
 
BUTCHER BABIES online:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-ZINE

Exlibris – new album to feature guest appearance by Tom Englund from Evergrey! Preview of the album!

Exlibris, the heavy metal sensation from Poland, return this Autumn with the third studio album entitled "Aftereal". The release date is scheduled for December, 1st in Europe and January, 13th 2015 in North America (via MVD).
 
The band are sure to surprise their fans this time around, also because of the many outstanding guest musicians featured on the album, Evergrey's Tom Englund being one of them!
 
Piotr Sikora comments: "You could say that working on 'Aftereal' was a constant test to us. We began by writing the music in record time and, once we did it, we kept checking what else we could accomplish. One of such tests was inviting well known artists from Polish and international music scene to perform on the album. Maybe it's not something you can hear from the very moment you play the album but Evergrey has been inspiring us, as musicians, ever since we founded Exlibris. We wrote a song which we thought Tom Englund's voice would fit perfectly, so he was the first person we thought we should invite... and he immediately accepted it! It's a wonderful feeling to hear your own song performed by a man that's been your musical hero for literally half of your life."
 
In the end, the line-up became quite impressive – apart from Tom Englund, the album also features: Piotr "Dziki" Chancewicz (Wild Pig, Mech), Piotr Rutkowski (Corruption), who played guitar solos, and Michał Staszkun, known from his cooperation with Hate, who recorded the album's intro. Exlibris's drummer comments: "We're extremely satisfied about that lineup, as every single guest performer did his absolute best, and every one of them did it in their own style, making the album even more diversified. I shudder at the thought of who we might be inviting on our next album."
 

Preview of the album is available here: http://youtu.be/zqRPuU7Lns8

 
Exlibris – Aftereal
Label: Metal Mind Productions
Cat. no.: MMP CD 0746 DG
Barcode: 5907785038615
Format: CD DG
Genre:  Heavy Metal
Release date: 01.12.2014 Europe / 13.01.2015 USA
 
Tracklist:
 
1. The Continuum
2. Escape Velocity
3. The Day Of Burning
4. In The Darkest Hour
5. Omega Point
6. Before The Storm
7. King Of The Pit
8. Darker Than Black
9. Closer (feat. Tom Englund)
10. False Messiah
11. The Mental Crusade
12. Suspended Animation
 
The band was formed in late 2003 by Daniel Lechmański and Piotr Sikora. Their first studio album "Skyward" from  2006 received quite good reviews. Over the next few years, the bands struggled with line-up changes within the rhythm section, but continued to create music and to play occasional concerts. In the meantime, Daniel Lechmański joined Chain Reaction and recorded three albums with them. Also, Piotr Sikora is a member of Leash Eye since 2009. In January 2012 the band started to record their second album - "Humagination". During the recording time, it turned out that their vocalist Marcin will not be able to complete the recordings. Krzysztof Sokołowski aka Mistress of the Night  became their new frontman. As a result, the recordings ended in early 2013. Their new album "Aftereal"  is scheduled for release in late Autumn 2014. The recordings took place at ZED Studio. The vocal parts were recorded at HZ Studio, where the band's previous album "Humagination" was recorded. The mix and mastering were handled by Tomek Zalewski. The title "Aftereal" reflects the album's atmosphere and lyrics, and there was complete agreement in the band about that choice. The keyboard player Piotr Sikora comments, "Just like it was with 'Humagination', there's a certain leitmotif in the lyrics, which refers to the album's title. They describe realities other than our own - from nightmares, through some kind of fantasy, to the so-called netherworld."
 
Exlibris - lineup:
Krzysztof Sokołowski - vocals
Daniel Lechmański - guitars, vocals
Piotr Sikora - keys, orchestration, programming, vocals
Piotr Torbicz - bass
Misiek Ślusarski - drums
 
Exlibris on-line:
Exlibrisband.com
 
Metal Mind Productions




Rockin' the Wall – 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall - Announcing US Theatrical Tour & DVD and Digital Release!

Featuring David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot)

Studio City, CA - Lightyear Entertainment and Specialty Studios, in association with Rockin' the Wall Studios announce the Consumer release of "Rockin' the Wall" on November 4th, 2014. And a US Fall 2014 Theatrical Tour in commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall. The feature length documentary offers an entertaining exploration of the power of rock music as a force for social change & liberation.  

The film by Larry Schweikart and Marc Leif is based on Schweikart's book "Seven Events That Made America America." It shows how music become a liberating force  behind the Iron Curtain and helped give strength to the anti-communist revolution.

The documentary features interviews with several well-known rock musicians, including David Paich (Toto), Robby Krieger (The Doors), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot), and Mark Stein(Vanilla Fudge), as well as individuals who experienced life behind the Soviet controlled side of the wall.

The official motion picture soundtrack for "Rockin' the Wall" includes more than a dozen original or newly performed songs, featuring powerful re-makes of 60's and 70's classics "Ball of Confusion," "People Got to be Free," and "Train Kept a Rollin'" as well as original songs by Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge, Peter Rivera, and Mother's Finest, as well as all songs performed in the film.

"Music has the power to change the world!" -  David Paich (Toto)

Schweikart is going 'on tour' with the film and will be participating in post screening discussions providing audiences with a rare opportunity to get an even better understanding of this monumental moment in history.

Since September, the "Rockin' the Wall - 25th Anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall" tour has been in Dayton, Cincinnati, Greenville, Ohio, Toledo, Atlanta, Asheville, N.C., Greensboro, N.C, Raleigh, N.C., Cullowee, N.C., Danbury, CT,  Winter Garden, FL, Ave Maria, FL

Future USA Fall 2014 Tour dates below:

10/14, Wheeling, West Liberty University
10/30, Eureka, IL, Eureka College
11/4, Tacoma, University of Washington
11/6, Los Angeles, Luxe Hotel Sunset
11/7, Seton High School, Mesa, AZ
11/8, Chandler, AZ, Chandler Center for the Arts
11/9, Scottsdale, AZ, Shea Harkins Theater
11/14, Fulton, MO, Churchill Museum/Westminster College
11/20, Grand Rapids, MI, Acton Institute
12/1 (pending) Chicago, Theater of the Arts/Polish American Film Society
 
2/2015 (pending)  Notre Dame and a Dallas showing.

(All dates and locations are posted on the film's website:  www.rockinthewallstudios.com)

Schweikart is available to add more Theatrical screenings, but will need the public's help. Visit the film's website to learn how you can be a part of this amazing opportunity and get free tickets to your screening for family & friends athttp://www.rockinthewallstudios.com

"Rockin' the Wall" will be released on DVD and digitally by Lightyear Entertainment, a distributor of independent films and music founded in 1987 (www.lightyear.com), through eOne Distribution, in association with Specialty Studios, a fully integrated media, content and distribution studio that harnesses the power of socially conscious media to touch hearts and engage minds (www.specialtystudios.com).

Consumer DVD and Digital distribution will commence next month with a street date of November 4, 2014. To learn more contact Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771, sky@lightyear.com


Larry Schweikart, Filmmaker : 937-231-8387, larry.schweikart@gmail.com 
DVD & Digital Sales:   Margaret Poindexter,  415-382-1459,margaret@videoproject.com and Lightyear: Sky Spooner, 917-407-2771,sky@lightyear.com
Educational Licensing:  Kelsey Smoot,  415-981-9710, Kelsey@videoproject.com
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Legendary YES Singer/Songwriter Jon Anderson and Counting Crows Matt Malley To Release Charity Single “The Family Circle”


London, UK - GONZO Multimedia is proud to announce the release of a new charity single "The Family Circle" by legendary YES vocalist/songwriter Jon Anderson and former Counting Crows bassist Matt Malley. The money received from the single will go to the following charities: Flutie Foundation -www.flutiefoundation.org (Jon Anderson), Sahaja Yoga Meditation -www.sahajayoga.org (Matt Malley) and National Autistic Society -www.autism.org.uk (Rob Ayling, GONZO Multimedia president)

" 'Family Circle' came together when Matt sent me the beautiful music earlier this year. I sang the song and lyric idea and sent it back to Matt, thanking him for the great energy. Eventually, Matt added some more sounds and the haunting guitar solo. We decided to have all sale proceeds go to our respective charities. It's a pleasure to release this around Thanksgiving time, reminding us of our connection with our families and how our children keep us together, bonding our love of life." - Jon Anderson

"Not only am I a fan of Jon's voice but I'm a fan of his fearless spiritual outlook which appears in all of his music. A mutual friend said we should meet and got us in touch and after talking a little, Jon said, 'So send some music!' - so I had a cup of my best Darjeeling tea, went into my studio and came up with the instrumental arrangement that you hear on 'Family Circle'. I sent the file up to Jon and it came back with his marvelous voice, lyrics…everything that brought the song to becoming fully realized." - Matt Malley

Jon Anderson is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable voices in progressive rock as the original lead vocalist and creative force behind YES. Anderson was the author and a major creative influence behind the ground-breaking album 'Fragile' as well as the series of epic, complex pieces such as "Awaken", "Gates of Delirium" and especially "Close to the Edge" which were central to the band's success. Additionally, Anderson co-authored the group's biggest hits, including "I've Seen All Good People", "Roundabout", and "Owner of a Lonely Heart". In addition, Jon Anderson had great success with a series of albums he did with Vangelis, and most recently released the critically-acclaimed solo album entitled "Survival and Other Stories" (GONZO Multimedia). In the fall of 2014 Jon Anderson teamed up with jazz violin legend Jean-Luc Ponty to form the AndersonPonty Band.

Matt Malley is an Oscar, Grammy and Golden Globe nominated songwriter who is best known for co-founding the multi-platinum selling rock band Counting Crows back in the early 90's. He appears as bassist on their biggest hit records and songs. In 2004 Matt retired from the band so he could work from his studio at home and be with his family. He is a student of the Indian Slide Guitar and a fan of Progressive Rock, Celtic Folk, World and Indian Music.

Listen to a sample of the track here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hATdN-XMBSQ

To purchase Jon Anderson & Matt Malley's "Family Circle": https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/family-circle-single/id911786898

Read GONZO Weekly's 100th issue! http://www.flipsnack.com/9FE5CEE9E8C/gonzo-100.html



Jon Anderson's official website: www.JonAnderson.com
Matt Malley's official website: www.malleyablemusic.com
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine
http://www.progressiverockbr.com
http://progrockmetal.blogspot.com/
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segunda-feira, outubro 20, 2014

UK Symphonic Rock Quintet Winter In Eden Release Highly Anticipated Third Album COURT OF CONSCIENCE

London, UK - Much to the excitement of music fans worldwide, UK rock quintet Winter in Eden release their highly anticipated third album COURT OF CONSCIENCE on October 16, 2014. Recorded in Holland during 2013, the album contains eleven new songs which builds and further refines the unique style that is Winter in Eden. Featuring compelling vocals, muscular riffs, memorable hooks, swirling keyboards coupled with pounding bass and thunderous drums, the result is powerful, modern and balanced.

Produced by Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation) and mixed by Stefan Helleblad (Within Temptation), the album also features guest vocals by Jermain van der Bogt (For All We Know/Ayreon) and an unmistakable voiceover by multi-award winning Damian Wilson (Threshold/Headspace/Maiden United). 'Court of Conscience' retains the bands signature of thought provoking lyrics mixed with memorable melodies. Whilst no two songs are alike, fans will be delighted to hear that the bands approach to this album is a familiar one. With hard and heavy anthems such as "Knife Edge" and "Toxicate", more chilled and progressive tracks such as "Burdened" and "It's Not Enough" plus the blues rock of "Affliction", this album has something for every taste and mood.

Bassist Ian Heddle reveals, "We are really pleased to have the opportunity to release 'Court of Conscience' into the world market. Whilst the digital age has broken down borders and albums can be purchased via download, some people still like to own physical copies. The previous release (Echoes of Betrayal) was only distributed throughout the UK and we would often get messages from fans around the globe asking us to send stuff here, there and everywhere! Thankfully, we now have access to Cherry Red's resources and can actually get the real thing into your favourite store...wherever you are!"

Watch the official video for the track "With Intent" taken from the album here -http://youtu.be/Zt-omW7xwXs

Winter In Eden, a dark yet beautiful cocktail of power and passion. Their music builds from delightful symphonic instrumentals to crunching aggressive Metal. Between 2009 and 2013, the band released two full length albums, two EP's and have entertained fans throughout the UK and Europe with numerous tours and festival appearances. The debut album 'Awakening' was recognised as one of the albums of the year. The track "Lies", from 'Echoes of Betrayal' was awarded Classic Rock Magazine's 'track of the day' and they have been nominated in the 'Best New Band' (2012/2013), 'Best Live Act' (2013) and 'Best Female Singer' (2012/2013/2014) categories at the annual Classic Rock Society Awards.

Winter In Eden's energetic live performances have been enjoyed by capacity crowds in the UK at events such as The Cambridge Rock Festival and various Femme Metal Festivals alongside Delain and Revamp. Most recently Winter In Eden have taken their live show into mainland Europe, performing to increasing numbers in the Netherlands and Belgium, playing with acts such as Stream of Passion and Maiden uniteD.

Winter In Eden is:

Vicky Johnson - Vocals
Steve Johnson - Keyboards
Samuel Cull - Guitars
Ian Heddle - Bass
Steve Hauxwell – Drums

"Winter In Eden are the best female-fronted symphonic rock band Britain has to offer right now" - Classic Rock Magazine

"Albums as wonderful as this one from new British bands do not come along every day. It has been a complete revelation to me" - Fireworks

"The band stands out for their song writing, their vocals and their musicianship. And they're British too. Every song on here is first class" - Powerplay

"Fabulous set by a band destined for greatness" - Classic Rock Society

"All the quality and all the potential" - Dominion/Terroriser



Tracks:

1. KNIFE EDGE
2. WITH INTENT
3. CRITICAL MASS PART 1 - BURDENED
4. TOXICATE
5. ORDER OF YOUR FAITH
6. IT'S NOT ENOUGH
7. BEFORE IT BEGAN
8. THE SCRIPT
9. CONSTANT TOMORROWS
10. BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
11. AFFLICTION

Official website - www.winterineden.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Winter-In-Eden/110545798972772
Contact: enquiries@winterineden.com
Management and Bookings In the UK: Lycan Media Group
info@lycanmedia.co.uk
Outside the UK: JBM Events
info@jbmevents.com

To purchase Winter In Eden's 'Court of Conscience':

sexta-feira, outubro 17, 2014

World-Renowned Guitar Player Steve Hunter Releases Live CD & DVD 'Tone Poems Live'

"Steve is a wonderful musician with great chops and a big heart." - Peter Gabriel

Los Angeles, CA - For the first time ever, Blues Rock Guitarist Steve Hunter, renowned for his work with Peter Gabriel, Lou Reed and Alice Cooper, is captured on film playing a career-spanning anthology in an intimate setting with some of the worlds finest players.

Also featuring Tony Levin, Phil Aaberg and Alvino Bennett!

The DVD, titled 'Tone Poems Live', was filmed on August 24th 2013 at a recording studio in LA. Alongside Steve was Tony Levin on Bass (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson) Phil Aaberg on Keyboards (Elvin Bishop, Peter Gabriel) Alvino Bennett on Drums (Dave Mason, Robin Trower).

They rehearsed for two days and filmed on the third day as though it were in front of an audience. Fourteen tunes, each played twice, with no overdubs added later. The material was chosen from most of Steve's solo albums plus a few covers, including 'Solsbury Hill' 'What's Going On' and Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'Riviera Paradise'.

"The soulful notes that Steve Hunter plays have the perfect balance of fat warm tone, taste and personality" - Steve Vai

This is the first time Steve Hunter has ever been filmed doing his own material plus material of his own choice. Steve is now legally blind and although not out of the question, touring has become more of a challenge. The recording session was produced and recorded by Brian Brinkerhoff and Paul Lani.

Tony Levin: "Steve is one of those wonderful musicians who speaks from the heart"

Phil Aaberg: "There's something about the subtlety, the texture and the tone quality that he gets with an individual note, to me that's a great guitar player"

Alvino Bennett: "I'm hearing all three Kings; Albert, BB and Freddy"

Jason Becker: "I can't put into words how much your soul comes out of your fingers. Everyone should see and hear this DVD"!

Watch some of the DVD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-xsbfVypI

To purchase Steve Hunter's 'Tone Poems Live' DVD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevehunter5
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00NLLZBWC/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

To purchase Steve Hunter's 'Tone Poems Live' CD:
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/stevehunter4
http://www.amazon.com/Tone-Poems-Live-Steve-Hunter/dp/B00N83WL58/ref=sr_1_9?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1411047178&sr=1-9&keywords=steve+hunter
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tone-poems-live/id910345911

Steve Hunter's website: www.stevehunter.com

Hungarian progressive dark metal band Dreamgrave announces debut LP 'Presentiment'


Hungarian progressive dark metal band Dreamgrave announces debut LP 'Presentiment'. Dreamgrave is a Hungarian progressive dark metal band relaunched in September 2012. We would like to find press coverage for our debut LP, called 'Presentiment'. Our first track from the album 'False Sense of Confidence' is available at our Bandcamp page, where the album can be pre-ordered:
 

After the unexpected success of the Deadborn Dreams demo the band had troubles finding stable, lasting members. While the search has taken up several years, founder and band leader Dömötör Gyimesi worked on his ideas which eventually became the foundation for the Presentiment LP. In September 2012 he met János Mayer which has not only shifted the songs towards a more progressive approach but became the turning point in the band's history. In September 2013 the band started recording the demos with the beautiful soprano of Mária Molnár. After a lot of hard work and with the help of Gergő Drahota and Jenő Godó the band finally went into the studio to record the Presentiment LP, a concept album consisting of eight progressive dark metal movements.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Kinks Legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dave Davies To Release New Album 'Rippin Up Time'!

New York, NY - The man who forever changed the sound of rock 'n' roll when he invented distortion, Kinks legend Dave Davies, has recorded a brand new solo album of all original material called 'Rippin' Up Time' on New York based Red River Entertainment. Produced by Dave Davies & David Nolte, the new CD features 10 original new songs written in the classic Kinks style that fans of all ages will want to hear. Listen to 'Rippin Up Time' here.

Dave Davies founded the Kinks in the early 1960's and forever changed music after he sliced up the speaker cone of a little green amp and created a revolutionary, distorted guitar tone and frenetic solo on the song "You Really Got Me". Musicologist Joe Harrington described the Kinks influence: " 'You Really Got Me', 'All Day And All Of The Night' ... were predecessors of the whole three-chord genre ... The Kinks did a lot to help turn rock n roll into rock." In 1998, writer Bill Crowley wrote, "As lead guitarist and founder of The Kinks, Dave Davies is one of the most unpredictable and original forces in rock, without whom guitar-rock styles including heavy metal and punk would have been inconceivable. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dave's massive guitar sounds have inspired bands from Van Halen to Green Day."

Dave explains that 'Rippin Up Time' is about "a man's reflections of the past, his fears, anxieties and optimism about the present and hopeful expectations about the future. I had a lot of ideas in my head thinking about the past and how we started and the Kinks and my own life and the present and what's happening with my life now and concerns and worries, anxieties about the future. I suddenly had an image of all the times overlapping as if they're all in one place in my mind. I thought I'd just write it from the point of view of a dream. It's a mixture of emotions that I was going through as I was writing the songs, some would be happy or reflective or sad."

Hard hitting tracks "Johnny Adams", "Nosey Neighbours" and title track "Rippin Up Time" show Dave's classic riffs, distinctive singing and playing style while songs like "Semblance of Sanity" and "Mindwash" take the listener to otherworldly, inner landscapes. Dave's son musician/producer Russ Davies' appearance is a surprise treat with his smokey vocals on "In the Old Days" and "Through my Window". Says Dave, "It was wonderful working with my son Russ Davies and old friend David Nolte on this project and am really excited about the album." Dave's accent and cockney brogue gives a delightful English flavour to many tracks. He shows his sensitive side in the pensive, futuristic ballad "Between the Towers" while "King of Karaoke" takes a humorous look at many people's favorite pastime. David Nolte's musical contributions and thoughtful co-production throughout 'Rippin Up Time' reveals an inspiring creative collaboration. Former E1 and PolyGram executive Bob Frank's Red River label which is distributed via Sony RED in the US is proud to be releasing 'Rippin Up Time' due out on October 28, 2014.

In a recent interview with Andy Greene of Rolling Stone, Dave imparted, "I like to work quick. You want to attack an idea when it's living and breathing. I didn't want to reach the stage where I heard the songs so many times I began to second guess myself, which has happened in the past." (read the entire Rolling Stone interview here)

Since the early days, Dave Davies has worked on a slew of critically acclaimed records, ranging from solo hit single "Death of a Clown", to experimental Kinks records like 'Village Green Preservation Society' and 'Arthur' as well as the classic 'Lola' in the 70's. In the 80's Dave released experimentally prescient solo work like the eponymous album titled 'Dave Davies' or 'AFL1-3603' named after himself and/or the barcode symbol face cover art. His mainstream success continued in the 80's on hit Kinks albums 'Low Budget' and 'State of Confusion'. In the 90's he released more solo work such as 'Bug' and the compilation 'Unfinished Business'. His songs have been featured in films by John Carpenter and on TV shows like 'The Sopranos', which used his tune "Living On A Thin Line". His tell-all autobiographical book 'Kink' was well received in the late 90's as well. In recent years, Dave has collaborated creatively with his sons. In 2010 he worked with son Russell Davies in the Aschere Project to create the hauntingly, beautiful rock electronica album 'Two Worlds'. The film 'Mystical Journey', directed by son Martin Davies, narrates Dave's longtime interest in the paranormal, Eastern philosophies and spirituality (the film inspired Julien Temple s BBC documentary 'Kinkdom Kome'). In 2013 Dave released 'I Will Be Me' on Cleopatra Records. No matter how diverse the ambition, Dave Davies puts his heart and soul in all of his projects.

Ever the visionary legend always ahead of his time, from slashing up a speaker cone all those years ago to his new release 'Rippin In Time', Dave Davies, rocks the past, present and, no doubt, the future!

Tracks include:
1. Ripping Up Time
2. Semblance of Sanity
3. King of Karaoke
4. Front Room
5. Johnny Adams
6. Nosey Neighbours
7. Mindwash
8. Between the Towers
9. In The Old Days
10. Through My Window

Dave Davies 'Rippin Up Time' is available for pre-order on Amazon

Dave Davies embarks a 13-date American solo tour beginning November 11th in Milwaukee. He will be performing several songs from the new album, along with all the Kinks classics!

Dave Davies tour dates:

11th Nov, 2014 - Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI
12th Nov, 2014 - City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL
13th Nov, 2014 - City Winery Chicago. Chicago, IL
14th Nov, 2014 - The Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
18th Nov, 2014 - Pullo Center, York, PA.
19th Nov, 2014 - The Center for Arts in Natick, Natick, MA
20th Nov, 2014 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
21st Nov, 2014 - Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT
22nd Nov, 2014 - Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, Bethlehem, PA
24th Nov, 2014 - City Winery, New York, NY
25th Nov, 2014 - City Winery, New York, NY
26th Nov, 2014 - The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA
28th Nov, 2014 - BergenPAC, Englewood, NJ

Kinks news!

On October 14, Legacy Recordings will celebrate 50 years of Kinkdom with the historic release of 'The Essential Kinks', the first-ever career-spanning retrospective anthology comprised of key recordings made for the Pye/Reprise, RCA, Arista and Columbia labels (track list below), and fully endorsed by the band. On November 10, Legacy will release an expanded CD/DVD deluxe edition of 'Muswell Hillbillies', The Kinks' 1971 masterpiece of working class social observation, a musical statement remarkably relevant in today's world. Newly remastered from the original analog tapes, 'Muswell Hillbillies' includes the original album in its entirety as well as nine bonus tracks (seven of them previously unavailable in North America), and a DVD of rare 1972 television appearances (never released in North America).

Airbag - Pre-order Bjorn's new solo album!

Bjorn Riis - Lullabies in a Car Crash
Pre-order Bjørn's new solo album Lullabies in a Car Crash and get it signed! Out in stores November 3rd.

Since Airbag's last release, The Greatest Show on Earth, Bjørn has been working on his solo debut. Lullabies in a Car Crash feature six songs with a coherent and thematical composition. From the opening track, 'A New Day', to the closing title track the listener is taken on a sonic journey of lush soundscapes and hard-hitting riffs. Bjørn's soulful guitar playing and low-key vocals creates a rich listening experience.

"This is not a huge departure from the Airbag sound but rather a chance for me to explore different musical directions and landscapes. It's very much a homage to my roots and influences." - Bjørn

"Lullabies in a Car Crash" is available for pre-order in the following formats:

Limited edition CD digisleeve presented as a vinyl replica

Double vinyl gatefold 180g heavy weight

AIRBAG WEBSITE
www.airbagsound.com
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Distorted Harmony - New live video and confirmed November concerts.

◦ We just released a new video from our "Chain Reaction Live" concert at Barby Tel Aviv - As One.

◦ We're coming to The Netherlands for 3 shows this November!

We're very excited, so if you're "in the neighbourhood", make sure you're there!

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Knight Area and the album “Hyperdrive”!

Knight Area - Hyperdrive 450x450.jpg
Knight Area is a Dutch melodic (progressive) rock band, founded in 2004 by the brothers Gerben and Joop Klazinga. The group started off as a seven-headed formation. After a few lineup changes, the group now consists of five people: guitars: Mark Bogert, drums: Pieter van Hoorn, keyboards: Gerben Klazinga, Vocals and keyboards: Mark Smit, bass and bass pedals: Peter Vink (Q65, Finch, The Boxx, Ayreon, Star One).

On October 14 2014, the new Knight Area album will be released. The album is called "Hyperdrive" and will be released world wide by the American label The Laser's Edge. "Hyperdrive" is the fifth official studio album, and the first one with the new lineup. The album has been mixed by Joost van den Broek (After Forever, Ayreon, Star One among others). Special guest on guitars is Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, Bodine, Vengeance, Stream of Passion, Star One). The album artwork is by Gustavo Sazes (famous for his artwork for artists including James LaBrie, Kamelot, Manowar, Firewind en Arch Enemy).

"Hyperdrive" is the successor to the world wide acclaimed album "Nine Paths" from 2011. In 2013, the self-produced EP "Between Two Steps" was released, which introduced Knight Area's new sound. On "Hyperdrive", this sound has been taken a step further. Songs like Crimson Skies, Bubble, The Lost World and Hypnotised are examples of this powerful new sound.

The album will be available in cd and digital stores in 90 countries, and as download from channels such as iTunes.

On Friday, November 7 2014, "Hyperdrive" will be officially presented at a live event at De Cacaofabriek in Helmond (NL). Tickets for this concert, with support acts HeKz (UK) and Distorted Harmony (Israel) are already on sale. Find more info by clicking here.

This concert will be followed by a European promotion tour for "Hyperdrive" early 2015. Dates to be announced soon.

Knight Area is available for interviews. Please contact Hans Ravensbergen at:promotion@knightarea.com.

Tracklist:
Afraid of the Dark
The Lost World
Bubble
This Day
Crimson Skies
Avenue of Broken Dreams
Living in Confusion
Stepping Out
Running Away
Songs from the Past
Hypnotised

Knight Area are:
Mark Bogert: guitars;
Pieter van Hoorn: drums;
Gerben Klazinga: keyboards;
Mark Smit: vocals, keyboards;
Peter Vink: bass, bass pedals.

Knight Area on the internet:
Official website: http://www.knightarea.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knightarea
Twitter: https://twitter.com/knightarea
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Knightarea
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Roger Waters Guitar Legend Dave Kilminster Releases Long Awaited New Solo Album

...and THE TRUTH will set you free... OUT NOW!

London, UK - Guitar virtuoso David Kilminster, best known for his work with Roger Waters and Keith Emerson, is preparing to release an exciting new rock album titled '...and THE TRUTH will set you free...'! This incredible project sees Dave reunited with drummer Pete Riley and bassist Phil Williams who toured with Dave as part of the Keith Emerson Band, and also recorded with Dave on his first solo rock album 'Scarlet - The Director's Cut'.

Says Dave about his new CD, "I returned from THE WALL tour, both exhausted and exhilarated, and ready to direct all of that inspiration, passion and creativity into a new project.  A year later, I held the master for this album in my hand… knowing it's undoubtedly the best solo work I've ever done..."

For the last eight years Dave was the featured lead guitarist with ROGER WATERS, joining Roger on his last two record breaking world tours; 'THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON LIVE', and (the highest grossing tour by a solo act EVER) 'THE WALL LIVE'!

Critics agree that David Kilminster is one of the most extraordinary talents to emerge from the UK. He is a sought after collaborator, band member and solo performer. After touring and collaborating a number of years with ELP legend Keith Emerson, fans will also know Dave from his work along side luminaries John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes, Guthrie Govan and John Young, among others.

Dave has released a series of instructional DVDs for Lick Library after the success of his global satellite series 'Killer Guitar'. Dave also won the inaugural 'Guitarist of the Year' competition, run by Guitarist magazine.

Watch the promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmE9ATrlckI

TRACK LIST:

1. MESSIAH
2. ADDICT
3. THIEVES
4. CIRCLES
5. SAVE ME
6. CASSIOPEIA
7. THE FALLEN
8. STARDUST

To purchase …and THE TRUTH will set you free…:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/And-The-Truth-Will-Free/dp/B00M3IVDEE
http://www.amazon.com/And-The-Truth-Will-Free/dp/B00M3IVDEE
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/...and-truth-will-set-you/id920825361

ALSO AVAILABLE:
DAVE KILMINSTER – SCARLET THE DIRECTOR'S CUT
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Scarlet-The-Directors-Dave-Kilminster/dp/B009GAUD3E
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/scarlet-the-directors-cut/id578776042

MURRAY HOCKRIDGE & DAVE KILMINSTER – CLOSER TO EARTH
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Closer-Earth-Murray-Hockridge-Kilminster/dp/B00D3AAJ3M
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/closer-to-earth/id678227357

DAVE KILMINSTER – PLAYING WITH FIRE (digital only)
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/playing-fire-feat.-fraser/id872380885

BEYOND THE DUST : Drum playthrough and VIP Offer !

BEYOND THE DUST (Math Metal) just revealed their first drum playthroughfor their upcoming album "KHEPRI".

On Monday 20, a special pre-order offer will be available during 5 days :http://store.dooweet.org/en/home/166_beyond-the-dust-khepri-special-pack.html

This offer is special because :
- Shipping costs are free
- You can buy the album for 10€ instead of 12€
- You will get the album 48h before anyone
- You will be able to download the album 48h before anyone
- You will have a special goodies package only with this offer
- Only from October, 20 to October, 25
- Only 50 available

Beyond the Dust is a progressive metal band from PARIS FRANCE. They first released an EP "NEW DAWN", a mixture of Meshuggah and Pain of Salvation that led them to play with Periphery, Sybreed, Protest The Hero, Monuments, Becoming The Archetype. After two european tours, making friends with many bands, they released a new song «REALITY DEFORMED» featuring ex-ALIASES' singer (Jay Berast). They are now signed on Dooweet Records and about to release their first full length album «KHEPRI», a 57 min concept album which could be compared to references like Dream Theater's «Metropolis Part 2 : Scenes From a Memory» mixed with Meshuggah's «Catch 33» and Periphery's albums.
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Pinnacle plays Misplaced Childhood Video

Here's the video of Pinnacle playing Marillion's Misplaced Childhood in 
its entirety at the NJProghouse Progressive Music Series last March at 
Roxy & Dukes Roadhouse in Dunellen, NJ.

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Releases 'KillSmith And The Greenfire Empire' - The Last Rock Opera


Westport, CT – From Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame drummer, song writer and founding Alice Cooper band member, comes his latest killer album. Neal's most recent album, the third in his critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith series that has garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide. And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time "KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire" weaves a tapestry of musical styles to tell the "GreenFire" story along with a little help from his friends.

Is this conceptual heavy metal adventure, being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie! The story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes "Diablos the Emerald King" the most ruthless, furious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins. The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called "GreenFire." As GreenFire's deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called "Blue Soul Land." The havoc it creates in "Blue Soul Land" and with grave consequences it unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero who's nicknamed "KillSmith." "GreenFire Born Of Poison" is the first single off of the album.

Says Neal, "My newest album/CD "KillSmith & The GreenFire empire" is my first concept album since the glory gory days of the band "Alice Cooper." It's a story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes "Diablos the Emerald King" the most ruthless, ferocious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins. The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called "GreenFire." As GreenFire's deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called "Blue Soul Land." The havoc it creates in "Blue Soul Land" unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero nicknamed "KillSmith" with grave consequences. Is "KillSmith & The GreenFire empire," the new heavy metal concept adventure CD being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie?"

KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire features: Neal Smith, lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar and synthesizer. Peter Catucci, bass guitar, backing vocals and lead vocals on "Noelle No Wonder." Very special guests performances by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger, backing vocals and intro lead vocals on "I Want Money." Kevin Franklin, lead guitar. Pete "Keys" Hickey, synthesizer and keyboards. The amazing Hubert Martin lead vocals on "Good Morning Blue Soul Land." Joe Meo, saxophone. Rick Tedesco, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Doug Wahlberg, lead guitar.

Neal Smith and Kachina records presents "KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire"
Exibindo Neal Smith new photo.JPG
Tracks:

1. BLESSINGS AND CURSES
2. GOOD MORNING BLUE SOUL LAND
3. SCREAMING BLOODY MURDER
4. THE KILL$MITH ÖVERTURE
5. PALACIO de ESMERALDAS
6. GREENFIRE – BORN OF PÖISON
7. I WANT MONEY
8. PÄNDEMÖNIUM
9. I REMEMBER BLUE SOUL LAND
10. DEATH TO THE KING
11. NOELLE NO WONDER

To purchase Autographed CD's:
 
NealSmithRocks.com - Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (Autographed CD's available NOW!)
http://nealsmithrocks.com/store
 
To purchase CD's & digital downloads:
 
CD Baby - Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (CD's available NOW! plus digital album and song downloads)
http://cdbaby.com/cd/nealsmith4
 
To purchase digital downloads:
 
iTunes - Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!)
https://itunes.apple.com/bf/album/killsmith-greenfire-empire/id907441353
 
Amazon.com - Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!) Listen to 30 second samples of all songs!
http://www.amazon.com/Killsmith-Greenfire-Empire-Neal-Smith/dp/B00MJM5MAK
 
Amazon.com UK - Neal Smith: KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire (digital album and song downloads available NOW!) Listen to 30 second samples of all songs!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Killsmith-Greenfire-Empire-Neal-Smith/dp/B00MKIBXG0

Neal Smith is best known worldwide for his innovative drumming and outrageous stage antics with the original Alice Cooper band. His solid drumming is the hallmark sound behind such classic 1970's Alice Cooper hits as "School's Out", "I'm Eighteen", "Billion Dollar Babies" and "No More Mr. Nice Guy". Neal is also a prolific songwriter, who helped pen many of the groups best known songs. Alice Cooper was the first band to introduce theatrics to the rock and roll stage, the group has sold over 25 million records worldwide. Neal has six gold and five platinum records to his credit and has performed before millions on extensive grand world tours from the late 1970s to the present. Smith's trademark drum style can be heard on additional albums, including the Billion Dollar Babies "Battle Axe," The Plasmatics "Beyond The Valley Of 1984." Buck Dharma "Flat Out." Deadringer "Electrocution Of The Heart." Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith "Back From Hell" and "BDS Live In Paris." Cinematik "Cinematik" and "One Full Moon Away." And Neal's most recent critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith. KillSmith CD's "Sexual Savior" and "KillSmith Two" garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide. And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time "KillSmith And The GreenFire" weaves a tapestry of musical styles to tell the "GreenFire" story with a little help from his friends.

KillSmith And The GreenFire Empire features: Neal Smith, lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar and synthesizer. Peter Catucci, bass guitar, backing vocals and lead vocals on "Noelle No Wonder." Very special guests performances by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger, backing vocals and intro lead vocals on "I Want Money." Kevin Franklin, lead guitar. Pete "Keys" Hickey, synthesizer and keyboards. The amazing Hubert Martin lead vocals on "Good Morning Blue Soul Land." Joe Meo, saxophone. Rick Tedesco, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Doug Wahlberg, lead guitar.

For more information: www.nealsmithrocks.com

2014 has been a great year for the five members of the original Alice Cooper band. In February the Super Audio CD "SACD" was released for the bands "Billion Dollar Babies" album. The bands album that reached number one topping the record charts in April 1972 in Billboard, Record World and Cash Box magazines.

Prog Keyboardist Leon Alvarado To Release Third Album Featuring Former King Crimson and Peter Gabriel Members!

"Full of atmosphere and beautifully put together." 
Steve Hackett

Houston, TX - Much to the anticipation of prog fans worldwide, keyboardist/composer Leon Alvarado will be releasing his third album '2014, Music from an Expanded Universe' on October 30, 2014, the first under the Melodic Revolution Records banner. For this mini-LP, Leon enlists the guitar skills of Trey Gunn (King Crimson), the masterful drumming of Jerry Marotta (better known for his work with Peter Gabriel, as well as Orleans and later Hall and Oates) and the ambient music duo better known as "Cyber Zen Sound Engine."

Says Leon, "The whole idea of the CD started by the need to put out some new product in between full albums. It had been a long time since I had put out new music and I decided to make sure I released something in 2014. What drove me to take the path I took was my wanting to work with some of the King Crimson guys on new music. Once the project started to take shape I kicked around some ideas regarding the packaging visuals. I have always liked the out-of-this-world look of the artwork by the recently departed Swiss artist H.R. Giger and I thought something with that sort of flavor would give the thing an air of futuristic surrealism. I think in a strange sort of way it suits the music. The actual song titles got settled in at the end of the project with the exception of 'Blood Like Red' which is in a way an homage to King Crimson's music. The way I pitched the music to Trey Gunn was by describing it as a sort of 'Crimson-Light' type of project. So, if there is a message in this thing it would be the fact that I am consciously trying to move forward with my music while expanding the catalog with something that is fresh with creative ideas and the creative input from some very talented and well-respected musicians."

As with many musicians, The Beatles were Leon's first musical influence. However, as a teenager he was introduced to progressive rock via Genesis...and he was hooked. Other music artists that attracted Leon were Yes, Pink Floyd, ELP, Jethro Tull, Camel, Gentle Giant, Premiata Forneria Marconi, Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, Synergy (Larry Fast), Tomita and Vangelis. And of course, there were solid rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.

Leon's recordings date back to the late 70's, but it wasn't until 2008 that he released his first album, 'Plays Genesis and Other Original Stuff'. The record drew on his strongest musical influences, primarily, the many styles in Genesis's lengthy career. By this time he had been living in the United States for some time as an award-winning designer creating, among other things, artwork for album covers and promotional posters for many of the bands and musicians he had been originally impacted by, such as Jethro Tull, Roger Waters, Phil Collins, King's X, Yes, Genesis and Jeff Beck. Approaching the work as both soundscape and visual has given Leon unique insight into broadening the experience as a whole.

By the time 'Strangers in Strange Places' was released in 2010, Leon had refined his method and his vision, and it's the audience who wins. 'Strangers' features Brand X's John Goodsall on guitar and the legendary drummer Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, Earthwork) and reveals an intertwining of progressive rock and ambient textural sound that then blossoms in his third release, '2014, Music from an Expanded Universe'.

Not one to sit idle, Leon already has his next project slated for release in 2015, an album of original music featuring ex-Yes men, Billy Sherwood and Rick Wakeman, as well as a solo project of previously unreleased pieces. These push further into the artist's evolution as a first foray into cinematic instrumentals and classically inspired composition.

Leon explains, "The new CD is more or less another expansion of my musical reach. It's very different from anything I put out before and yet, it still has some of the DNA found in my other pieces of work. The name '2014 Music From An Expanded Universe' is indicative of my intentions. I wanted to release a CD in 2014 and I wanted to be different from my previous work and be fresh. The expanded universe in the title refers to my personal musical universe and how I as a musician, try to take the border of my envelope and push it a bit further. At the time I was also involved in working on two other projects. One of them has a couple of ex-Yes men in it and the other is a compilation of pieces from sessions I have done throughout the years but have never been released before. For '2014' I wanted to work with some of the Crimson guys that I had met over at Dreamland Studios outside of Woodstock. Dreamland is a studio operated by Jerry Marotta, the brilliantly creative drummer better known in the prog circles for his work with Peter Gabriel. It was there where I met Tony Levin and Trey Gunn. These guys weren't only some of the best at what they do but also some of my personal musical heroes. It took well more than a year before I contacted Trey to participate in the album. I asked him if he would be interested in taking on the bass parts as well as the guitar's and he agreed which ended up working brilliantly. Trey is the consummate professional and I got to say that working with him was a great experience. On two tracks I have Jerry Marotta's drumming on his Taos drums kit which is a set consisting of hand-made natural log drums built by a company of the same name in New Mexico. Jerry is an extremely talented musician who happens to be a natural for percussion. The album also includes the ambient music duo of Smith6079 and Gracenotex (better known as Cyber Zen Sound Engine)."

Tracks include:
1. IRREVERENCE PART I
2. THE 2014 MICROCOSM
3. BLOOD LIKE RED
4. IRREVERENCE PART II
5. CINEMANIA "ALIVE"

In closing Leon has this to impart, "I try to create the type of music that I would like as a fan. I feel that there are many people out there that have a similar taste in music to mine. For those people, I would strongly encourage them to give it a listen because they may like what they hear. There are lots of influences in my music but my own pieces transmit their own original sound and vibe. I try to put my imprint on what I do, even when working on a cover song. I do music for music's sake."

To purchase:
CD Baby: https://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/LeonAlvarado
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/leon-alvarado/id304356695?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Melodic revolution records: http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado/
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Leon-Alvarado/e/B0055PD4LC/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1412696839&sr=8-1

For more information: http://mrrmusic.com/leon-alvarado
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Anthropia and Arjen Anthony Lucassen

We are proud to announce that Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One, The Gentle Storm,…) will make a guest appearance on the new Anthropia album, coming winter 2015.

He joins Edu Falaschi (Almah, ex-Angra) on the guest list.

Follow us on Twitter : https://twitter.com/Anthropia
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Prog Sphere Releases First Physical Compilation and Details Many Upcoming Projects

Prog Sphere is proud to announce to the world of progressive rock that their newest release - Progstravaganza: Beyond Frontiers is now out and in stores. This long-awaited album is the culmination of months of hard work on the part of Prog Sphereand the many bands involved. Beyond Frontiers breaks new ground for Prog Sphereas it is the first in their long series of compilations to be released as a physical CD. Naturally, it is also available for purchase at Prog Sphere's Progify store and at Prog Sphere's Bandcamp page.
 
The above link to the Progify store contains the full track list, along with more detailed info about the sampler. The full sampler is also available for streaming on Youtube. The bands that have been assembled for this album come from all across the world of progressive rock and play a wide variety of styles. For example, Fughu are a group of prog metal masters from Argentina, Cea Serin, from the United States, play a unique brand of progressive death metal, and Overhaul, from The Netherlands, play classic progressive rock. There's also post-rock, psychedelic prog, and much more. Naturally, the mastering for this project was daunting, but Frank Gingeleit of Living Tunes Mastering was more than up to the task.

As mentioned before, Beyond Frontiers is Prog Sphere's first physical release forProgstravaganza, and as such, it will be accompanied by high quality album art that fans have come to expect from this genre of music. Chris Van Der Linden of LidenArtwork has done the job quite well, and will continue to work with Prog Sphereinto the future.

Prog Sphere has also been working on many other projects alongside Beyond Frontiers. Prog Sphere is proud to announce an additional compilation that has just been released entitled The New Generation of Prog 2014. This compilation is a teaser for the upcoming Generation Prog Festival in Nurmburg, which will feature some of the top names in progressive rock and metal. Some of these bands includeHaken, Exivious, Relocator, and Kristoffer Gildenlow. Haken have even been gracious enough to contribute an exclusive edit of a song from their upcoming EP. In addition to this second compilation, Prog Sphere has also just concluded work on an upcoming documentary titled Prog Sphere: Beyond Frontiers – Progressive Music in the 21st Century. As hinted by the title, this documentary will include interviews and footage of the bands included on the recent compilation.
 
Now that the work for Beyond Frontiers and The New Generation of Prog 2014 has been concluded, Prog Sphere has opened submissions for the second physicalProgstravaganza release. This upcoming release will be out in early December and is currently open for new band submissions. All interested bands should also know that in addition to being included on the compilation, they will also receive a six month PR campaign through Prog Sphere Promotions, as well as inclusion in the next Prog Sphere documentary. Bands can get in touch with Prog Sphere at info@prog-sphere.com.
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Zappa/Bowie/King Crimson Guitar Legend Adrian Belew Announces Massive North America Tour!

Asheville, NC – Adrian Belew is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and guitarist, who has released 20 critically acclaimed solo albums. He has worked alongside some of the most innovative artists of the past 30 years, including Paul Simon, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Frank Zappa, Laurie Anderson and Nine Inch Nails. For 33 years he was the frontman, singer, and guitarist in art-rock giant King Crimson. Known as a highly inventive guitarist, much of Belew's music mixes pop songwriting with complex time signatures, witty lyrics, wild sounds, and technical mastery of his instrument.

Adrian is happy to announce his first North American tour since the Crimson ProjeKCt tour of 2011. The tour runs from Oct 22 to Dec 21, coast to coast in the USA and hitting three Canadian Provinces.

The Adrian Belew Power Trio includes bassist Julie Slick and drummer Tobias Ralph, both virtuoso musicians, with a setlist celebrating Adrian's massive body of work. Belew first appeared on the guitar-world radar when he toured with Frank Zappa who later said, "Adrian reinvented electric guitar". Adrian's signature tones, and his unique use of effects and whammy bar remain unique, and his techniques continue to be a huge influence on today's guitarists.

Adrian has had a career that commands both awe and respect from fellow musicians and loyal fans. From his first solo record "The Lone Rhino" to his current endeavors, his work pushes sonic boundaries while maintaining artistic integrity. His upcoming projects include his groundbreaking music app "Flux: Music that is never the same twice" and his effects suite for iPad "FLUX:fx". The focus over the next few months however is to get out and burn onstage, city by city!


Photo by Gary and Jill Bandfield

USA/Canada 2014 Tour dates below:

10/22/2014 Charlottesville, VA Southern Cafe
10/23/2014 Vienna, VA Jammin Java
10/24/2014 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live
10/25/2014 Boston, MA Sinclair (early show)
10/26/2014 Ridgefield, CT Ridgefield Playhouse
10/28/2014 New York, NY Highline Ballroom
10/29/2014 Pittsburgh, PA Rex Theatre
10/30/2014 Buffalo, NY The Tralf
10/31/2014 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
11/01/2014 Chicago, IL Old Town School of Folk Music
11/02/2014 Turtle Lake, WI St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake Event Ctr
11/04/2014 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater
11/07/2014 Vancouver, BC Rio Theatre
11/08/2014 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater
11/09/2014 Seattle, WA Triple Door
11/11/2014 Sacramento, CA Harlows
11/12/2014 San Francisco, CA The Chapel
11/13/2014 Santa Cruz, CA The Catalyst Club
11/14/2014 Santa Monica, CA McCabes Guitar Shop
11/15/2014 Big Bear Lake, CA The Cave Big Bear
11/16/2014 San Diego, CA Casbah
11/18/2014 Scottsdale, AZ Talking Stick Resort Showroom
11/20/2014 Oklahoma City, OK Acadamy Of Contemporary Music @ UCO
11/21/2014 St. Louis, MO Old Rockhouse
11/22/2014 Nashville, TN 12th & Porter
12/03/2014 Asheville, NC New Mountain Theatre
12/04/2014 Atlanta, GA Terminal West
12/05/2014 Carborro, NC Cats Cradle
12/06/2014 Annapolis, MD Rams Head
12/07/2014 Sellersville PA Sellersville Theater
12/09/2014 Dunellen, NJ NJProghouse Presents Roxy And Dukes
12/10/2014 Bay Shore, NY YMCA Boulton Center
12/11/2014 Falls River, MA Narrows Center For The Arts
12/12/2014 Laval, QC Salle Andre-Mathieu
12/13/2014 Quebec City, QC Salle Sylvain Lelilevre
12/14/2014 Trois-Rivieres, QC Salle J-Antonio Thompson
12/16/2014 Gatineau, QC Maison des Culture
12/17/2014 Toronto, ON Mod Club
12/18/2014 Ferndale, MI Magic Bag
12/19/2014 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
12/20/2014 Knoxville, TN The International
12/21/2014 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theatre

For more information: http://www.adrianbelew.net/
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